Destination: RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil

Brazil's cultural side

The picturesque Commerce Street is nestled in the downtown core of the Brazilian city.

 Even in sunny South America, Mother Nature occasionally has a foul mood, banishing brilliant skies and replacing them with black rain clouds.

 Or maybe too much sun is your problem, and after frying like a piece of bacon on the beach you need to take a break under protective cover.

 Whatever the scenario, the last thing a tourist should do is hide in a hotel and moan about a lost day.

 Rio is a city steeped in cultural and architectural highlights that would be a shame to miss. More than 50 museums are scattered throughout its boundaries.

 Its inner beauty is not as obvious as the beaches, hills and ocean that have captivated the world, but a little exploration provides a cultural perspective of this great city.

 Those enthralled with the samba (a Brazilian dance of African origin) should visit the Carmen Miranda Museum, she of the legendary banana ballet and of such movies as The Gang's All Here. The late Portuguese bombshell, who grew up in Rio and became a Hollywood sensation, was notorious for dancing the samba in platform clogs.

 For about $1 Canadian you can walk through the museum (which looks like a small bunker from the outside) and one can ask to watch a videotape about her story.

 It's worth a very brief stop.

 From there you can head to the Modern Art Museum, but I wasn't impressed by 200 pieces on display knowing more than 8,000 works were hidden away. Despite the beautiful grounds and building, it's not worth the $8 admission.

 If you're seeking art, you'll find a gem in the National Fine Arts Museum. Displayed in a breathtaking building, it boasts an impressive collection of art with a strong focus on Brazilian works.

A street vendor trundles his wares through a busy side street.

 From there, you can easily walk to several other historical downtown highlights, found within what's been dubbed the Cultural Corridor.

 If you're looking for a quiet spot to start, check out the Royal Portuguese Reading Room, which is filled with thousands of ancient books. With quiet ceiling fans working to keep the air cool, visitors can ask to see any of these precious books and flip through them.

 Even though it is just a few steps from the busy downtown, it is an oasis of calm for those seeking a peaceful respite.

 A few streets away you will find the Palacio Tiradentes. In front of this former palace you can join a free, one-hour tour of the area every second weekend. Organized by Rio's tourist office, you'll hear ghost stories, as well as interesting cultural and historical facts.

 From the cobblestones that pave the way on Commerce Street - an interesting jaunt for visitors - to the architectural delights of such wonders as Rio's central point - the 1628 Candelaria Church - the city's core is steeped in beauty that demands a full day.

 But the streets tend to be jam-packed so if you're not into crowds you may struggle here.

 And it's essential you don't bring valuables and that means tucking away a camera except when shooting pictures.

 After a day in the city's core, you can seek peace and quiet with a visit to Ruins Park, nestled in Santa Teresa neighbourhood. You'll have a complete view of the city at your feet.

 As you explore this building, be sure to visit a converted house almost hidden away to one side. Few visitors check out its art collection that includes works by such notables as Picasso and Matisse.

 Such a find is an important reminder that this is a city with far more to offer than spectacular sandy beaches.

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